Planning is crucial to a security system upgrade or a new unified solution design. This is especially true for IP video surveillance systems, and virtually every system in your security solution requires that IT staff be involved at some level.
As a result, IT has a few things they want you to know before you get too far along into the planning process.
#1 Roles and Responsibilities
First and foremost, roles and responsibilities for security systems have changed dramatically over the last several years. IT, security, facilities management, and other departments must clearly express their expectations of the installation, operation, and maintenance of the system. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities will prevent misunderstandings and oversights in the future. Bring your security integrator into the conversation early to ensure that everyone is driving toward the same result.
#2 IT Security
One of the IT department’s biggest challenges is network and data security. While the devices you’re thinking about adding to your system are designed to secure the facility, they can also be a vulnerability. IT will need to know which devices you’re planning to purchase so they may verify compliance with organizational guidelines for network and data security. For example, in a video surveillance solution, hundreds or thousands of cameras are attached to the network. If the cameras are not verified and known to be secure, the risk is tremendous. Plus, ongoing firmware updates will be required to keep those devices secure.
#3 Network Infrastructure
In many cases, the devices you’d like to add will require an IP address and network connection (most likely hardwired). IT will need to provide an IP address and coordinate the cabling and switch information. They will also need to know about high-bandwidth devices. Security cameras and video storage appliances top the list in bandwidth consuming devices. Be sure to have IT verify network capability before choosing your new devices.
#4 IT Hardware
While some of the appliances and workstation PCs may be provided as part of the new security solution, it’s important to verify that any existing devices, such as workstations, can handle the new system requirements for processing data and running new software versions.
Professional Security Partner
The Vision team can survey your building, coordinate a design, and professionally install and integrate hardware and software. Vision can also create a custom Managed and Hosted Services plan, freeing up your staff to perform their core responsibilities of providing a safe working environment, and making system updates a breeze.
The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can grow and change with your organization. Together, you’ll uncover potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides onsite and remote response, safeguarding your staff and securing your facility.
Vision has a full-time AutoCAD engineer on staff. Our engineering team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineering team has both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.
